EIJ 2016 – Jam FM

9th August 2016 | Roger Thorne

Held near Chelmsford, the Essex International Janboree is the biggest Scout & Guide event in the UK this year with more than 6,500 young people attending along with their Leaders and almost 2000 staff. Over 100 activities were provided on site to participants who came from 32 countries.

Scout Radio was again on site providing a vibrant and exciting radio station throughout the event from a studio in the “village” at the centre of things. When Scouts and Guides from more than 30 countries arrived JAM FM was already on air and rapidly becoming the soundtrack to the Jamboree.

Using the latest developments in the Scout Radio studio equipment JAM FM broadcast for eight days with live programmes from 6am until midnight. Alongside studio based output were outside broadcasts from all the activity zones round the site, live feeds from the various stages and commentary on major Jamboree events.

And if that wasn’t enough the team also provided a radio activity base where thousands of young people recorded jingles, voxpops and quick-fire links as well as having time to use a portable recorder to capture their thoughts on Jamboree life.

The team included many Scout Radio members (including the Team Leader), but also six people entirely new to Jamboree radio. All the “newbies” reported having a great time and will look to repeat the experience in the future.